Jack Retel
Jack Vernon Retel, 94, of Seattle, Washington, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025. Born on August 19, 1931, in Seattle, Washington, Jack lived a life defined by hard work, family devotion, military service, and adventurous spirit.
Jack’s early years instilled a strong work ethic. He attended high school in Corinth, New York, and in 1947 worked as a lumberjack there before moving on to roles as a body and fender man in Williston, North Dakota, and with the Never Sag Coil Spring Company in Los Angeles, California. He joined the Great Northern Railroad (later Burlington Northern) in Seattle on August 25, 1951, starting as a laborer at the Interbay roundhouse and advancing to machinist helper.
In 1952, Jack was drafted into the U.S. Army, joining K Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, where he served with remarkable courage and dedication during the Korean War. As an infantryman, he rose to the distinguished rank of Sergeant First Class. This achievement fills us with pride, reflecting his steady resolve as a noncommissioned officer (NCO) leading his fellow soldiers through the challenges of wartime. His exemplary combat service earned him the cherished Combat Infantryman Badge, along with the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal—beautiful testaments to his frontline valor and unwavering commitment. Serving from July 25, 1952, to April 28, 1954, with overseas duty from December 1952 to March 1954, Jack’s experience honed his discipline, which he carried forward with distinction in the Army Reserves from 1954 to 1960. His service remains a warm and inspiring part of his incredible legacy.
Returning to civilian life, Jack completed a machinist helper apprenticeship by May 8, 1959, noted for his bright mind and steady character. He spent 15 years as a machinist and relief foreman, with a steady record aside from a 1963 workplace mishap involving a torn fingernail, burned hand, and broken glasses. His career culminated in promotions to Assistant Foreman Locomotives in 1974, Foreman Locomotives in 1978, and Assistant General Foreman Locomotives in 1989, a role he held until retirement in 1991.
On April 12, 1958, Jack married his beloved wife, Jean, sharing 67 years together. They raised five children: Duane, Darrell, Kurt, Colleen, and Jacqueline. Jack was a devoted grandfather to nine surviving grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, preceded in death by grandson Zane and great-granddaughter Isabella.
In retirement, Jack pursued passions including auto mechanics, camping, cooking, and membership in the Rolling RV Club, where he enjoyed memorable trips from Washington to Mexico, sharing stories and camaraderie.
Jack is remembered for his strength, humor, quiet kindness, and unwavering resolve. He is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Duane, Darrell, Kurt, Colleen, Jacqueline, and her husband Gene House; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on October 16, 2025, in Kent, Washington, at the Marlatt Funeral Home. Burial services will follow at 1:00 PM on October 16, 2025, at Tahoma National Cemetery.
A life well-lived, a legacy of service, a heart full of love—Jack Vernon Retel, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, 1931-2025.